The Acorn Movement

THE VILLAGE BLOG

Dr. El Brown, Florida Head Start alumna and keynote speaker

From Florida Head Start Child to Florida Head Start Association Keynote Speaker

Dr. El Brown, Florida Head Start alumna and keynote speaker

Grown Folk Conversations in Erie, PA

Erie, Pennsylvania showed up today!!!! I had the absolute pleasure of spending the morning with the good people of Child Development Centers, Inc., and they came ready to learn, reflect, collaborate, and do the work! They gathered in their groups, mapped the villages surrounding the children and families they serve, exchanged ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and leaned fully into the experience. The conversations were rich, the laughter was plentiful, and the commitment in

The Acorn Movement Is Headed to Michigan

BOOM!!!! Michigan Head Start Association family, I’ll see you in October! I can’t wait to make some Early Learning and Family MAGIC TOGETHER!!!!! ❤️🙌🏾🤩🌰🌱🌳🎉🎊 Dr. El Brown is an early childhood keynote speaker, trainer, and engagement strategist who partners with Head Start, early childhood programs, and children and family service organizations to strengthen family engagement, support professional development, and build Top-Notch Villages™ where children and families t

The Power Went Out... The Energy Didn’t in Manassas, VA

Yesterday, the energy was OFF THE CHARTS when I had the pleasure of partnering with Prince William County Public Schools Preschool Programs for their 3rd Annual Preschool Institute (PSI)! The moment I entered the building, I was greeted by a spirit tunnel that made me feel like a guest on the Jennifer Hudson Show! But that greeting wasn’t just for me. Every preschool teacher and service provider who walked through those doors was welcomed with that same celebration. Before th

When the Work Is Remembered in Arlington, VA

Yesterday, I had the honor of returning to partner with The Campagna Center in Arlington, Virginia. The room was abuzz with the energy of a new program year—colleagues reconnecting, hugs being exchanged, and laughter and conversation filling the room. During our time together, I shared my From Acorn to Mighty, Mighty Oak Tree™ keynote and engaged team members in the Top-Notch Villages™ workshop. Together, they mapped the ecosystems surrounding children and families, identifie

She Saw It Before I Did

There are people who enter your life and completely change its trajectory. Rashanda Jenkins is one of those people for me. Rashanda is responsible for the career that feeds my soul today. In 2016, I was invited to serve on the board of a community action agency. Because I always want to make myself useful, I began looking for the place where I could contribute most meaningfully. That search led me to the Head Start Policy Council meetings, where I served as the board represen

Look What Was Waiting in My Mailbox

I really should check my mail more often. 😊❤️ I received my Florida Head Start Association lapel pin today!!! I’ll be sure to wear it this week while visiting Head Start teams in Virginia and Pennsylvania! #HeadStartWorks #TheAcornMovement 🌰🌱🌳☀️ Dr. El Brown is an early childhood keynote speaker, trainer, and engagement strategist who partners with Head Start, early childhood programs, and children and family service organizations to strengthen family engagement, support

The Village Starts Before the Classroom in Warrenton, VA

Today I had the opportunity to return to Fauquier Community Action Committee Head Start in Warrenton, Virginia, an agency I have had the pleasure of partnering with for three years. One of the things I appreciate about this team is that every time I return, they are ready to learn, reflect, and add new strategies to their practice. In fact, they were the first Head Start program to put the Acorn Affirmation on their bulletin board. So, they have been sipping the Top-Notch Koo

Be the Light—Right Down to Her Fingertips in Muskogee, OK

Yesterday, I spent four hours with Muskogee County Head Start/Early Head Start, and from the moment I entered the room, they felt like home and a warm hug. Listening to them speak about their mission, their hopes for the children and families they serve, and the responsibility they feel to help children and families WIN poured directly into my soul. Then, I watched them make the work their own. They designed Top-Notch Village™ ecosystems, identified the people surrounding chi

When the Mission Becomes a Song in Muskogee, OK

A Top-Notch Village™ is, by definition, a mission-aligned village. When I work with agencies, one of the things we often discuss is how we can become more mission-aligned and operate under one shared mission to support healthy outcomes for children and families. I suggest that a mission should be simple enough to be understood by children, families, and new team members, and it should answer the question: Why do we exist? Every decision should be made with that mission in min

ABOUT THE VILLAGE BLOG

The Village Blog is a living record of engagement strategy in action.

Here, I share field stories, practical strategies, and original frameworks from my work with Head Start programs, school districts, community action agencies, and child- and family-service organizations across the country.

Each post explores how adults can strengthen relationships, become mission-aligned, and show up well for children and families. I work with adults and work for children—because every child deserves to be loved and cared for well.

Raising Superman

Raising Superman is co-authored by Dr. El and her son, Ricky II. Together, they weave their voices into one story that highlights the three characters of a Top-Notch Village: the child, the family, and the village members.

The book gives families and village members tips and strategies drawn directly from Dr. El’s Village Engagement Matrix™—a framework designed to help both work together so that children have every opportunity to maximize their personal potential.

At its core, Raising Superman shows what becomes possible when children grow up surrounded by belief in themselves, a positive identity, and a village committed to turning dreams into reality.